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Brahmacharyashrama (Samskrit : ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमः) is the first of the four ashramas that a person passes through in his life time. It includes the stage of a child, teenager and the early years of youth i.e., starting from the age of about five to twenty years. This is the formative and impressionable age as recognized by our ancient seers, hence the dharmas of this ashrama promote total dedication to holistic personality development of the child along with rigorous learning of the vedas and shastras.  

Brahmacharyashrama (Samskrit : ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमः) is the first of the four ashramas that a person passes through in his life time. It includes the stage of a child, teenager and the early years of youth i.e., starting from the age of about five to twenty years. This is the formative and impressionable age as recognized by our ancient seers, hence the [[Dharma (धर्मः)|dharmas]] of this ashrama promote total dedication to holistic personality development of the child along with rigorous learning of the [[Vedas (वेदाः)|vedas]] and shastras.  

Thus, brahmacharyashrama, is essentially a period of study and discipline. In ancient Bharata, teachers usually lived in forest hermitages, the Gurukulas. The students, both rich and poor, lived together in the house of their preceptor and studied the Vedas and the sciences. In this stage, the guru was a student's spiritual father and was thus, served with faith, devotion and reverence.<ref name=":6">Swami Sivananda (1999), [http://www.dlshq.org/download/hinduismbk.pdf All About Hinduism], Uttar Pradesh: The Divine Life Society.</ref>

Thus, brahmacharyashrama, is essentially a period of study and discipline. In ancient [[Bharatavarsha (भरतवर्षम्)|Bharata]], teachers usually lived in forest hermitages, the [[Gurukula (गुरुकुलम्)|Gurukulas]]. The students, both rich and poor, lived together in the house of their preceptor and studied the Vedas and the sciences. In this stage, the [[Guru (गुरुः)|guru]] was a student's spiritual father and was thus, served with faith, devotion and reverence.<ref name=":6">Swami Sivananda (1999), [http://www.dlshq.org/download/hinduismbk.pdf All About Hinduism], Uttar Pradesh: The Divine Life Society.</ref>

== ब्रह्मचारी ॥ Brahmachari  ==

== ब्रह्मचारी ॥ Brahmachari  ==

The student life begins with the Upanayana ceremony that is known as 'second birth'.<ref name=":6" /> A child roughly about the age of 5 or 6 years is initiated into Brahmacharyashrama by performing the Upanayana samskara. Early history points to the evidence of this important samskara being in vogue from the vedic ages. Such a child who has undergone the Upanayana samskara is called a Brahmachari.

The student life begins with the [[Upanayana (उपनयनम्)|Upanayana]] ceremony that is known as 'second birth'.<ref name=":6" /> A child roughly about the age of 5 or 6 years is initiated into Brahmacharyashrama by performing the Upanayana samskara. Early history points to the evidence of this important [[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|samskara]] being in vogue from the vedic ages. Such a child who has undergone the Upanayana samskara is called a Brahmachari.

Manu broadly defines a Brahmachari as follows:<ref name=":12">Pt. Girija Prasad Dvivedi (1917), The Manusmriti or Manavadharmashastra ([https://archive.org/details/ManuSmritHindi-GpDwivedi/page/n192/mode/2up Adhyaya 2]), Lucknow: Newul Kishore Press.</ref><blockquote>यद्यस्य विहितं चर्म यत् सूत्रं या च मेखला । यो दण्डो यच्च वसनं तत्तदस्य व्रतेष्वपि ॥२.१७४॥  

[[Manu (मनु)|Manu]] broadly defines a Brahmachari as follows:<ref name=":12">Pt. Girija Prasad Dvivedi (1917), The Manusmriti or Manavadharmashastra ([https://archive.org/details/ManuSmritHindi-GpDwivedi/page/n192/mode/2up Adhyaya 2]), Lucknow: Newul Kishore Press.</ref><blockquote>यद्यस्य विहितं चर्म यत् सूत्रं या च मेखला । यो दण्डो यच्च वसनं तत्तदस्य व्रतेष्वपि ॥२.१७४॥  

सेवेतेमांस्तु नियमान् ब्रह्मचारी गुरौ वसन् । सन्नियम्येन्द्रियग्रामं तपोवृद्ध्यर्थमात्मनः ॥२.१७५॥<ref name=":1" />

सेवेतेमांस्तु नियमान् ब्रह्मचारी गुरौ वसन् । सन्नियम्येन्द्रियग्रामं तपोवृद्ध्यर्थमात्मनः ॥२.१७५॥<ref name=":1" />

''yadyasya vihitaṁ carma yat sūtraṁ yā ca mekhalā । yo daṇḍo yacca vasanaṁ tattadasya vrateṣvapi ॥2.174॥''

''yadyasya vihitaṁ carma yat sūtraṁ yā ca mekhalā । yo daṇḍo yacca vasanaṁ tattadasya vrateṣvapi ॥2.174॥''

''sevetemāṁstu niyamān brahmacārī gurau vasan । sanniyamyendriyagrāmaṁ tapovr̥ddhyarthamātmanaḥ ॥2.175॥''</blockquote>Summary : After upanayana one who undertakes the (brahmacharya) vrata and learns veda according to the injunctions laid down, only that person who has during the upanayana, having worn the skin (चर्म), the girdle (मेखला), the sutra (सूत्र or yajnopavita) and staff (दण्डः) undertakes the vrata (is a brahmachari). Following the niyamas, a brahmachari resides along with the Guru and increases his tapas by controlling his senses.  

''sevetemāṁstu niyamān brahmacārī gurau vasan । sanniyamyendriyagrāmaṁ tapovr̥ddhyarthamātmanaḥ ॥2.175॥''</blockquote>Summary : After upanayana one who undertakes the (brahmacharya) vrata and learns veda according to the injunctions laid down, only that person who has during the upanayana, having worn the skin (चर्म), the girdle (मेखला), the sutra (सूत्र or yajnopavita) and staff (दण्डः) undertakes the vrata (is a brahmachari). Following the niyamas, a brahmachari resides along with the Guru and increases his [[Tapas (तपस्)|tapas]] by controlling his [[Indriyas (इन्द्रियाणि)|senses]].  

Grhyasutras also contain information about the acharas and vidhis to be followed by a brahmachari. Khadira grhyasutras summarize the important things that are marks of a brahmachari.

[[Grhyasutras (गृह्यसूत्राणि)|Grhyasutras]] also contain information about the [[Acharana Dharma (आचरणधर्मः)|acharas]] and vidhis to be followed by a brahmachari. Khadira grhyasutras summarize the important things that are marks of a brahmachari.

<blockquote>मेखलाधारणभैक्षचर्यदण्डसमिदाधानोपस्पर्शनप्रातरभिवादा नित्यम् |२.५.१६<ref>Khadira Grhyasutras ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D See Patala 2 Khanda 5])</ref> ''mekhalādhāraṇabhaikṣacaryadaṇḍasamidādhānopasparśanaprātarabhivādā nityam | (2.5.16)''</blockquote>Meaning: Wearing the mekhala (girdle made of munji grass), activity of bhiksha, touching (bearing) the staff and samidhas (for doing the agnikarya) and (guru) abhivada (respectful salute) every morning are to be done everyday. Shabdakalpadruma defines a brahmachari as<blockquote>ब्रह्म ज्ञानं तपो वा आचरति अर्जयत्यवश्यम्। उपनयनानन्तरं नियमं कृत्वा गुरोः सन्निधौस्थित्वा साङ्गवेदाध्ययनं करोति यः । स द्बिविधः उपकुर्व्वाणः नैष्ठिकश्च । प्रथमाश्रमी ।<ref>Shabdakalpadruma ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%82 See Brahmachari (ब्रह्मचारी)])</ref> brahma jñānaṁ tapo vā ācarati arjayatyavaśyam। upanayanānantaraṁ niyamaṁ kr̥tvā guroḥ sannidhausthitvā sāṅgavedādhyayanaṁ karoti yaḥ । sa dbividhaḥ upakurvvāṇaḥ naiṣṭhikaśca । prathamāśramī ।</blockquote>Meaning: One who practices and definitely earns Brahma jnana and tapas. After Upanayana one who undertakes to follow the set of rules (laid down for a brahmachari) and learns vedas (sanga meaning along with the Vedangas) by residing near a Guru is a brahmachari. He is of two types : Upakurvana and Naishthika. He is one who belongs to the First Ashrama (Brahmacharya is the first among the four ashramas).<blockquote>ब्रह्म वेदस्तदध्ययनार्थं यद्व्रतं तदपि ब्रह्मतच्चरतीति ब्रह्मचारी । brahma vedastadadhyayanārthaṁ yadvrataṁ tadapi brahmataccaratīti brahmacārī ।<ref>Shabdakalpadruma ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE See Sabrahmachari (सब्रह्मचारी)])</ref></blockquote>Clarifying further about Brahma (ब्रह्म), here, it means Veda i.e. one who is engaged in the study of vedas is a brahmachari.  

<blockquote>मेखलाधारणभैक्षचर्यदण्डसमिदाधानोपस्पर्शनप्रातरभिवादा नित्यम् |२.५.१६<ref>Khadira Grhyasutras ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D See Patala 2 Khanda 5])</ref> ''mekhalādhāraṇabhaikṣacaryadaṇḍasamidādhānopasparśanaprātarabhivādā nityam | (2.5.16)''</blockquote>Meaning: Wearing the mekhala (girdle made of munji grass), activity of bhiksha, touching (bearing) the staff and samidhas (for doing the agnikarya) and (guru) abhivada (respectful salute) every morning are to be done everyday. Shabdakalpadruma defines a brahmachari as<blockquote>ब्रह्म ज्ञानं तपो वा आचरति अर्जयत्यवश्यम्। उपनयनानन्तरं नियमं कृत्वा गुरोः सन्निधौस्थित्वा साङ्गवेदाध्ययनं करोति यः । स द्बिविधः उपकुर्व्वाणः नैष्ठिकश्च । प्रथमाश्रमी ।<ref>Shabdakalpadruma ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%82 See Brahmachari (ब्रह्मचारी)])</ref> brahma jñānaṁ tapo vā ācarati arjayatyavaśyam। upanayanānantaraṁ niyamaṁ kr̥tvā guroḥ sannidhausthitvā sāṅgavedādhyayanaṁ karoti yaḥ । sa dbividhaḥ upakurvvāṇaḥ naiṣṭhikaśca । prathamāśramī ।</blockquote>Meaning: One who practices and definitely earns Brahmajnana and tapas. After Upanayana one who undertakes to follow the set of rules (laid down for a brahmachari) and learns vedas (sanga meaning along with the [[Shad Vedangas (षड्वेदाङ्गानि)|Vedangas]]) by residing near a Guru is a brahmachari. He is of two types : Upakurvana and Naishthika. He is one who belongs to the First [[Ashrama Dharma (आश्रमधर्मः)|Ashrama]] (Brahmacharya is the first among the four ashramas).<blockquote>ब्रह्म वेदस्तदध्ययनार्थं यद्व्रतं तदपि ब्रह्मतच्चरतीति ब्रह्मचारी । brahma vedastadadhyayanārthaṁ yadvrataṁ tadapi brahmataccaratīti brahmacārī ।<ref>Shabdakalpadruma ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE See Sabrahmachari (सब्रह्मचारी)])</ref></blockquote>Clarifying further about Brahma (ब्रह्म), here, it means Veda i.e. one who is engaged in the study of vedas is a brahmachari.  

== वेशभूषा ॥ Attire ==

== वेशभूषा ॥ Attire ==

The Bhagavata Purana states that a brahmachari, with his hair braided, should wear a mekhala (a girdle of munja grass), deer-skin and two pieces of cloth, the yajnopavita (sacred thread) and carry with him a staff, a kamandalu (water-pot of gourd) and a handful of darbha grass as prescribed in the Shastras.<ref name=":3">Ganesh Vasudeo Tagare, The Bhagavata Purana (Part III), Ancient Indian Tradition & Mythology (Volume 9), Edited by J.L.Shastri, New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.150116/page/n99 P.no.968-969].</ref> <blockquote>

The Bhagavata Purana states that a brahmachari, with his hair braided, should wear a mekhala (a girdle of munja grass), deer-skin and two pieces of cloth, the yajnopavita (sacred thread) and carry with him a staff, a kamandalu (water-pot of gourd) and a handful of darbha grass as prescribed in the Shastras.<ref name=":3">Ganesh Vasudeo Tagare, The Bhagavata Purana (Part III), Ancient Indian Tradition & Mythology (Volume 9), Edited by J.L.Shastri, New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.150116/page/n99 P.no.968-969].</ref> <blockquote>

मेखलाजिनवासांसि जटादण्डकमण्डलून् । बिभृयादुपवीतं च दर्भपाणिर्यथोदितम् ॥ ४॥<ref name=":4">Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 7, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AD/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A8 Adhyaya 12].</ref>  

मेखलाजिनवासांसि जटादण्डकमण्डलून् । बिभृयादुपवीतं च दर्भपाणिर्यथोदितम् ॥ ४॥<ref name=":4">Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 7, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AD/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A8 Adhyaya 12].</ref>  

''mekhalājinavāsāṁsi jaṭādaṇḍakamaṇḍalūn । bibhr̥yādupavītaṁ ca darbhapāṇiryathoditam ॥ 4॥''</blockquote>The Yajnavalkya smrti also mentions the staff, skin, sacred thread and the girdle as important possessions of a brahmachari.<ref name=":8">Rai Bahadur Srisa Chandra Vidyarnava (1918), Yajnavalkya Smriti ([https://archive.org/details/yajnavalkyasmrit00yj/page/62/mode/2up?view=theater Book 1 Achara Adhyaya]), Bahadurganj: The Panini Office.</ref><blockquote>दण्डाजिनोपवीतानि मेखलां चैव धारयेत् ।<ref name=":9">Yajnavalkya Smriti, Achara Adhyaya, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9E%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Brahmachari Prakarana]</ref> daṇḍājinopavītāni mekhalāṁ caiva dhārayet ।</blockquote>Infact, the Grhyasutras, Smrti shastras as well as the Puranas describe various specifications pertaining to these four elements of a brahmachari's attire ie. the Mekhala, Vastra, Danda and Upavita. According to the Agni Purana, the maunjya (the girdle to be worn after the Upanayana) is known to be made of munja (grass) or bark. While the sticks are said to be from the parna (palasha), pippala (fig) and bilva tree. And the hides of deer, tiger or goat is prescribed to be worn by those in the student life.<ref name=":10">[https://archive.org/details/AgniPuranaUnabridgedEnglishMotilal/page/n443/mode/2up?view=theater The Agni Purana (Part 2)], Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.</ref><blockquote>मुञ्जानां वल्कलानान्तु क्रमान्मौज्ज्याः प्रकीर्तिताः ॥१५३.८  मार्गवैयाध्रवास्तानि चर्माणि व्रतचारिणां । पर्णपिप्पलविल्वानां क्रमाद्दण्डाः प्रकीर्तिताः ॥१५३.९<ref name=":11">Agni Purana, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AB%E0%A5%A9 Adhyaya 153]</ref>

''mekhalājinavāsāṁsi jaṭādaṇḍakamaṇḍalūn । bibhr̥yādupavītaṁ ca darbhapāṇiryathoditam ॥ 4॥''</blockquote>The [[Yajnavalkya Smrti (याज्ञवल्क्यस्मृतिः)|Yajnavalkya smrti]] also mentions the staff, skin, sacred thread and the girdle as important possessions of a brahmachari.<ref name=":8">Rai Bahadur Srisa Chandra Vidyarnava (1918), Yajnavalkya Smriti ([https://archive.org/details/yajnavalkyasmrit00yj/page/62/mode/2up?view=theater Book 1 Achara Adhyaya]), Bahadurganj: The Panini Office.</ref><blockquote>दण्डाजिनोपवीतानि मेखलां चैव धारयेत् ।<ref name=":9">Yajnavalkya Smriti, Achara Adhyaya, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9E%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Brahmachari Prakarana]</ref> daṇḍājinopavītāni mekhalāṁ caiva dhārayet ।</blockquote>Infact, the Grhyasutras, [[Smrti (स्मृतिः)|Smrti shastras]] as well as the [[Puranas (पुराणानि)|Puranas]] describe various specifications pertaining to these four elements of a brahmachari's attire ie. the Mekhala, Vastra, Danda and Upavita. According to the Agni Purana, the maunjya (the girdle to be worn after the Upanayana) is known to be made of munja (grass) or bark. While the sticks are said to be from the parna (palasha), pippala (fig) and bilva tree. And the hides of deer, tiger or goat is prescribed to be worn by those in the student life.<ref name=":10">[https://archive.org/details/AgniPuranaUnabridgedEnglishMotilal/page/n443/mode/2up?view=theater The Agni Purana (Part 2)], Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.</ref><blockquote>मुञ्जानां वल्कलानान्तु क्रमान्मौज्ज्याः प्रकीर्तिताः ॥१५३.८  मार्गवैयाध्रवास्तानि चर्माणि व्रतचारिणां । पर्णपिप्पलविल्वानां क्रमाद्दण्डाः प्रकीर्तिताः ॥१५३.९<ref name=":11">Agni Purana, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AB%E0%A5%A9 Adhyaya 153]</ref>

muñjānāṁ valkalānāntu kramānmaujjyāḥ prakīrtitāḥ ॥153.8  

muñjānāṁ valkalānāntu kramānmaujjyāḥ prakīrtitāḥ ॥153.8  

mārgavaiyādhravāstāni carmāṇi vratacāriṇāṁ । parṇapippalavilvānāṁ kramāddaṇḍāḥ prakīrtitāḥ ॥153.9</blockquote>The shastra texts also enumerate specifications of the attire worn by the brahmanas, kshatriyas and Vaishyas as brahmancharis after the Upanayana Samskara ie. during their studenthood. Manusmrti says, <blockquote>कार्ष्णरौरवबास्तानि चर्माणि ब्रह्मचारिणः । वसीरन्नानुपूर्व्येण शाणक्षौमाविकानि च । । २.४१ । ।<ref name=":1" /> kārṣṇarauravabāstāni carmāṇi brahmacāriṇaḥ । vasīrannānupūrvyeṇa śāṇakṣaumāvikāni ca । । 2.41 । । </blockquote>Meaning:   

mārgavaiyādhravāstāni carmāṇi vratacāriṇāṁ । parṇapippalavilvānāṁ kramāddaṇḍāḥ prakīrtitāḥ ॥153.9</blockquote>The shastra texts also enumerate specifications of the attire worn by the [[Brahmana Dharma (ब्राह्मणधर्मः)|brahmanas]], [[Kshatriya Dharma (क्षत्रियधर्मः)|kshatriyas]] and [[Vaishya Dharma (वैश्यधर्मः)|Vaishyas]] as brahmancharis after the Upanayana Samskara ie. during their studenthood. [[Manusmrti (मनुस्मृतिः)|Manusmrti]] says, <blockquote>कार्ष्णरौरवबास्तानि चर्माणि ब्रह्मचारिणः । वसीरन्नानुपूर्व्येण शाणक्षौमाविकानि च । । २.४१ । ।<ref name=":1" /> kārṣṇarauravabāstāni carmāṇi brahmacāriṇaḥ । vasīrannānupūrvyeṇa śāṇakṣaumāvikāni ca । । 2.41 । । </blockquote>Meaning:   

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

!Charma

!Charma

|Should reach the tip of his nose

|Should reach the tip of his nose

|}

|}

The Agni Purana further mentions that all the sticks should be having barks, should not have bends or be burnt ones.<ref name=":10" /><blockquote>अवक्राः सत्वचः सर्वे नाविप्लुष्टास्तु दण्डकाः ॥१५३.१०<ref name=":11" /> avakrāḥ satvacaḥ sarve nāvipluṣṭāstu daṇḍakāḥ ॥153.10 </blockquote>Regarding the Upavita, the Baudhayana Dharmasutra states that the thread shall be made of Kusha grass or cotton, consist of thrice three strings and it shall hang down to the navel.<ref name=":8" /><blockquote>कौशं सौत्रं वा त्रिस्-त्रिवृद् यज्ञोपवीतम् ॥ आ नाभेः ॥<ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%BF/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8-%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%BF Baudhayana Dharmasutras]</ref> kauśaṁ sautraṁ vā tris-trivr̥d yajñopavītam ॥ ā nābheḥ ॥</blockquote>The Manusmrti<ref name=":8" /> and Agni Purana<ref name=":10" /> further specify the material of the Yajnopavita worn by the brahmanas, kshatriyas and vaishyas after the Upanayana Samskara as follows:<blockquote>कार्पासं उपवीतं स्याद्विप्रस्योर्ध्ववृतं त्रिवृत् । शणसूत्रमयं राज्ञो वैश्यस्याविकसौत्रिकम् । । २.४४ । ।<ref name=":1" />  

The Agni Purana further mentions that all the sticks should be having barks, should not have bends or be burnt ones.<ref name=":10" /><blockquote>अवक्राः सत्वचः सर्वे नाविप्लुष्टास्तु दण्डकाः ॥१५३.१०<ref name=":11" /> avakrāḥ satvacaḥ sarve nāvipluṣṭāstu daṇḍakāḥ ॥153.10 </blockquote>Regarding the Upavita, the Baudhayana [[Dharmasutras (धर्मसूत्राणि)|Dharmasutra]] states that the thread shall be made of Kusha grass or cotton, consist of thrice three strings and it shall hang down to the navel.<ref name=":8" /><blockquote>कौशं सौत्रं वा त्रिस्-त्रिवृद् यज्ञोपवीतम् ॥ आ नाभेः ॥<ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%BF/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8-%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%BF Baudhayana Dharmasutras]</ref> kauśaṁ sautraṁ vā tris-trivr̥d yajñopavītam ॥ ā nābheḥ ॥</blockquote>The Manusmrti<ref name=":8" /> and Agni Purana<ref name=":10" /> further specify the material of the Yajnopavita worn by the brahmanas, kshatriyas and vaishyas after the Upanayana Samskara as follows:<blockquote>कार्पासं उपवीतं स्याद्विप्रस्योर्ध्ववृतं त्रिवृत् । शणसूत्रमयं राज्ञो वैश्यस्याविकसौत्रिकम् । । २.४४ । ।<ref name=":1" />  

वासोपवीते कार्पासक्षौमोर्णानां यथाक्रमं ।१५३.११<ref name=":11" />

वासोपवीते कार्पासक्षौमोर्णानां यथाक्रमं ।१५३.११<ref name=":11" />

In fact, many of these details mentioned above regarding the different possessions of a brahmachari as mentioned across shastra texts have been quoted in Balambatta's glossary on the Yajnavalkya Smrti.<ref name=":8" />

In fact, many of these details mentioned above regarding the different possessions of a brahmachari as mentioned across shastra texts have been quoted in Balambatta's glossary on the Yajnavalkya Smrti.<ref name=":8" />

== दिनचर्या ॥ Daily Routine ==

== दिनचर्या ॥ Daily Routine ==

The Agni Purana states that after investiture of the yajnopavita, the preceptor should instruct his pupil first with cleanliness and then with codes of conduct, the worship of fire and the Sandhya worship.<ref name=":10" /><blockquote>उपनीय गुरुः शिष्यं सिक्षयेच्छौचमादितः । आचारमग्निकार्यं च सन्ध्योपासनमेव च ॥१५३.१३<ref name=":11" />  

The Agni Purana states that after investiture of the yajnopavita, the preceptor should instruct his pupil first with cleanliness and then with codes of conduct, the worship of fire and the [[Sandhyopasana - Scientific Aspects (सन्ध्योपासन का वैज्ञानिक अंश)|Sandhya worship]].<ref name=":10" /><blockquote>उपनीय गुरुः शिष्यं सिक्षयेच्छौचमादितः । आचारमग्निकार्यं च सन्ध्योपासनमेव च ॥१५३.१३<ref name=":11" />  

upanīya guruḥ śiṣyaṁ sikṣayecchaucamāditaḥ । ācāramagnikāryaṁ ca sandhyopāsanameva ca ॥153.13</blockquote>Accordingly, the daily routine of a brahmachari begins with bathing and comprises of sprinkling the body with Mantras addressed to the waters, retention of breath, adoration of the Sun and the daily repetition of the Gayatri.<ref name=":8" /><blockquote>स्नानं अब्दैवतैर्मन्त्रैर्मार्जनं प्राणसंयमः । सूर्यस्य चाप्युपस्थानं गायत्र्याः प्रत्यहं जपः । । १.२२ । ।<ref name=":9" />

upanīya guruḥ śiṣyaṁ sikṣayecchaucamāditaḥ । ācāramagnikāryaṁ ca sandhyopāsanameva ca ॥153.13</blockquote>Accordingly, the [[Dinacharya (दिनचर्या)|daily routine]] of a brahmachari begins with bathing and comprises of sprinkling the body with Mantras addressed to the waters, retention of breath, adoration of the [[Surya (सूर्यः)|Sun]] and the daily repetition of the [[Gayatri (गायत्री)|Gayatri]].<ref name=":8" /><blockquote>स्नानं अब्दैवतैर्मन्त्रैर्मार्जनं प्राणसंयमः । सूर्यस्य चाप्युपस्थानं गायत्र्याः प्रत्यहं जपः । । १.२२ । ।<ref name=":9" />

snānaṁ abdaivatairmantrairmārjanaṁ prāṇasaṁyamaḥ । sūryasya cāpyupasthānaṁ gāyatryāḥ pratyahaṁ japaḥ । । 1.22 । ।</blockquote>

snānaṁ abdaivatairmantrairmārjanaṁ prāṇasaṁyamaḥ । sūryasya cāpyupasthānaṁ gāyatryāḥ pratyahaṁ japaḥ । । 1.22 । ।</blockquote>

The Manusmrti also iterates that everyday, being purified by bathing, the brahmachari must perform dvija, devata, rshi and pitr tarpana, worship the deities and perform agnikarya.<ref name=":12" /><blockquote>नित्यं स्नात्वा शुचिः कुर्याद्देवर्षिपितृतर्पणम् । देवताभ्यर्चनं चैव समिदाधानं एव च । । २.१७६ । ।<ref name=":1" />

The Manusmrti also iterates that everyday, being purified by bathing, the brahmachari must perform dvija, devata, rshi and pitr tarpana, worship the deities and perform agnikarya.<ref name=":12" /><blockquote>नित्यं स्नात्वा शुचिः कुर्याद्देवर्षिपितृतर्पणम् । देवताभ्यर्चनं चैव समिदाधानं एव च । । २.१७६ । ।<ref name=":1" />

nityaṁ snātvā śuciḥ kuryāddevarṣipitr̥tarpaṇam । devatābhyarcanaṁ caiva samidādhānaṁ eva ca । । 2.176 । ।</blockquote>The Bhagavata Purana specifies that a brahmachari should wait upon the preceptor and worship the fire deity, the Sun and other prominent deities both, in the morning and evening. And observing perfect silence at both the twilights (and in the mid-day), he should repeat the Gayatri mantra with a concentrated mind while performing Sandhya.<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>सायं प्रातरुपासीत गुर्वग्न्यर्कसुरोत्तमान् । उभे सन्ध्ये च यतवाग्जपन् ब्रह्म समाहितः ॥ २॥<ref name=":4" />

nityaṁ snātvā śuciḥ kuryāddevarṣipitr̥tarpaṇam । devatābhyarcanaṁ caiva samidādhānaṁ eva ca । । 2.176 । ।</blockquote>The Bhagavata Purana specifies that a brahmachari should wait upon the preceptor and worship the fire deity, the Sun and other prominent deities both, in the morning and evening. And observing perfect silence at both the twilights (and in the mid-day), he should repeat the Gayatri mantra with a concentrated mind while performing [[Sandhyavandana (सन्ध्यावन्दनम्)|Sandhya]].<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>सायं प्रातरुपासीत गुर्वग्न्यर्कसुरोत्तमान् । उभे सन्ध्ये च यतवाग्जपन् ब्रह्म समाहितः ॥ २॥<ref name=":4" />

''sāyaṁ prātarupāsīta gurvagnyarkasurottamān । ubhe sandhye ca yatavāgjapan brahma samāhitaḥ ॥ 2॥''</blockquote>According to the Agni Purana, offering to the fire also should be made both in the morning and evening. However, it emphasizes that one should not offer impure things or offer with separated hands.<ref name=":10" /> Mansmrti says that having brought the samidhs (wood offered in Yajna) from afar, a brahmachari must place it somewhere high in the house and should offer it to the fire both in the morning and evening without becoming lazy.<ref name=":12" /> <blockquote>सायं प्रातश्च जुहुयान्नामेध्यं व्यस्तहस्तकं ।१५३.१५<ref name=":11" />  

''sāyaṁ prātarupāsīta gurvagnyarkasurottamān । ubhe sandhye ca yatavāgjapan brahma samāhitaḥ ॥ 2॥''</blockquote>According to the Agni Purana, offering to the fire also should be made both in the morning and evening. However, it emphasizes that one should not offer impure things or offer with separated hands.<ref name=":10" /> Mansmrti says that having brought the samidhs (wood offered in [[Yajna (यज्ञः)|Yajna]]) from afar, a brahmachari must place it somewhere high in the house and should offer it to the fire both in the morning and evening without becoming lazy.<ref name=":12" /> <blockquote>सायं प्रातश्च जुहुयान्नामेध्यं व्यस्तहस्तकं ।१५३.१५<ref name=":11" />  

दूरादाहृत्य समिधः सन्निदध्याद्विहायसि । सायंः प्रातश्च जुहुयात्ताभिरग्निं अतन्द्रितः । । २.१८६ । ।<ref name=":1" />

दूरादाहृत्य समिधः सन्निदध्याद्विहायसि । सायंः प्रातश्च जुहुयात्ताभिरग्निं अतन्द्रितः । । २.१८६ । ।<ref name=":1" />

And enumerating the object of study, the Bhagavata Purana says,<blockquote>उषित्वैवं गुरुकुले द्विजोऽधीत्यावबुध्य च । त्रयीं साङ्गोपनिषदं यावदर्थं यथाबलम् ॥ १३॥<ref name=":4" />

And enumerating the object of study, the Bhagavata Purana says,<blockquote>उषित्वैवं गुरुकुले द्विजोऽधीत्यावबुध्य च । त्रयीं साङ्गोपनिषदं यावदर्थं यथाबलम् ॥ १३॥<ref name=":4" />

''uṣitvaivaṁ gurukule dvijo'dhītyāvabudhya ca । trayīṁ sāṅgopaniṣadaṁ yāvadarthaṁ yathābalam ॥ 13॥''</blockquote>Meaning: Having stayed in the preceptor's house, a dvija should study and understand to the best of his ability and to the extent of his requirements, the meaning of three Vedas (Rk, Saman and Yajus), along with their (six) auxilliaries (namely, Shiksha, Kalpa, Vyakarana, Nirukta, Chandas and Jyotish) and the Upanishads (Vedanta or philosophical treatises).<ref name=":5">Ganesh Vasudeo Tagare, The Bhagavata Purana (Part III), Ancient Indian Tradition & Mythology (Volume 9), Edited by J.L.Shastri, New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, P.no.[https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.150116/page/n101 970].</ref>

''uṣitvaivaṁ gurukule dvijo'dhītyāvabudhya ca । trayīṁ sāṅgopaniṣadaṁ yāvadarthaṁ yathābalam ॥ 13॥''</blockquote>Meaning: Having stayed in the preceptor's house, a dvija should study and understand to the best of his ability and to the extent of his requirements, the meaning of three Vedas (Rk, Saman and Yajus), along with their (six) auxilliaries (namely, [[Shiksha (शिक्षा)|Shiksha]], [[Kalpa Vedanga (कल्पवेदाङ्गम्)|Kalpa]], [[Vyakarana Vedanga (व्याकरणवेदाङ्गम्)|Vyakarana]], [[Nirukta (निरुक्तम्)|Nirukta]], [[Chandas (छन्दस्)|Chandas]] and [[Vedanga Jyotisha (वेदाङ्गज्योतिषम्)|Jyotish]]) and the [[Upanishads (उपनिषदः)|Upanishads]] ([[Vedanta (वेदान्तः)|Vedanta]] or philosophical treatises).<ref name=":5">Ganesh Vasudeo Tagare, The Bhagavata Purana (Part III), Ancient Indian Tradition & Mythology (Volume 9), Edited by J.L.Shastri, New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, P.no.[https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.150116/page/n101 970].</ref>

Because Vedas are the highest agent of benefaction (means of attaining moksha) for the dvijas as it teaches yajnas, austerities and good work.<ref name=":8" /> <blockquote>यज्ञानां तपसां चैव शुभानां चैव कर्मणाम् । वेद एव द्विजातीनां निःश्रेयसकरः परः । । १.४० । ।<ref name=":9" />

Because Vedas are the highest agent of benefaction (means of attaining [[Moksha (मोक्षः)|moksha]]) for the dvijas as it teaches yajnas, austerities and good work.<ref name=":8" /> <blockquote>यज्ञानां तपसां चैव शुभानां चैव कर्मणाम् । वेद एव द्विजातीनां निःश्रेयसकरः परः । । १.४० । ।<ref name=":9" />

yajñānāṁ tapasāṁ caiva śubhānāṁ caiva karmaṇām । veda eva dvijātīnāṁ niḥśreyasakaraḥ paraḥ । । 1.40 । ।</blockquote>This is iterated in the Manusmrti as well. It states that a brahmana who desires to perform austerities may constantly repeat the Veda. For, the study of Veda is declared to be, in this world, the highest austerity for a brahmana.<ref name=":8" /><blockquote>वेदं एव सदाभ्यस्येत्तपस्तप्स्यन्द्विजोत्तमः । वेदाभ्यासो हि विप्रस्य तपः परं इहोच्यते । । २.१६६ । ।<ref name=":1" />

yajñānāṁ tapasāṁ caiva śubhānāṁ caiva karmaṇām । veda eva dvijātīnāṁ niḥśreyasakaraḥ paraḥ । । 1.40 । ।</blockquote>This is iterated in the Manusmrti as well. It states that a brahmana who desires to perform austerities may constantly repeat the Veda. For, the study of Veda is declared to be, in this world, the highest austerity for a brahmana.<ref name=":8" /><blockquote>वेदं एव सदाभ्यस्येत्तपस्तप्स्यन्द्विजोत्तमः । वेदाभ्यासो हि विप्रस्य तपः परं इहोच्यते । । २.१६६ । ।<ref name=":1" />

vedaṁ eva sadābhyasyettapastapsyandvijottamaḥ । vedābhyāso hi viprasya tapaḥ paraṁ ihocyate । । 2.166 । ।</blockquote>While the Yajnavalkya Smrti enumerates how Vedic studies are a medium for the students to satisfy the devas and pitrs in a manner that Vedic Yajnas do. It says, <blockquote>मधुना पयसा चैव स देवांस्तर्पयेद्द्विजः । पितॄन्मधुघृताभ्यां च ऋचोऽधीते च योऽन्वहम् । । १.४१ । ।

vedaṁ eva sadābhyasyettapastapsyandvijottamaḥ । vedābhyāso hi viprasya tapaḥ paraṁ ihocyate । । 2.166 । ।</blockquote>While the Yajnavalkya Smrti enumerates how Vedic studies are a medium for the students to satisfy the [[Deva (देवः)|devas]] and pitrs in a manner that Vedic Yajnas do. It says, <blockquote>मधुना पयसा चैव स देवांस्तर्पयेद्द्विजः । पितॄन्मधुघृताभ्यां च ऋचोऽधीते च योऽन्वहम् । । १.४१ । ।

यजूंषि शक्तितोऽधीते योऽन्वहं स घृतामृतैः । प्रीणाति देवानाज्येन मधुना च पितॄंस्तथा । । १.४२ । ।

यजूंषि शक्तितोऽधीते योऽन्वहं स घृतामृतैः । प्रीणाति देवानाज्येन मधुना च पितॄंस्तथा । । १.४२ । ।

!Satisfies Pitrs with

!Satisfies Pitrs with

|-

|-

|Daily reading of rks (mantras of the Rgveda)

|Daily reading of rks (mantras of the [[Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः)|Rgveda]])

|Honey and milk

|Honey and milk

|Honey and clarified butter

|Honey and clarified butter

|-

|-

|Daily studying of yajus (mantras of the Yajurveda)

|Daily studying of yajus (mantras of the [[Yajurveda (यजुर्वेदः)|Yajurveda]])

|Clarified butter and nectar

|Clarified butter and nectar

|Clarified butter and honey

|Clarified butter and honey

|-

|-

|Daily reading of saman (mantras of the Samaveda)

|Daily reading of saman (mantras of the [[Samaveda (सामवेदः)|Samaveda]])

|Soma juice and clarified butter

|Soma juice and clarified butter

|Honey and clarified butter

|Honey and clarified butter

|-

|-

|Daily studying of Atharva-Angiras (the Atharvaveda)

|Daily studying of Atharva-Angiras (the [[Atharvaveda (अथर्ववेदः)|Atharvaveda]])

|Medas (fat)

|[[Meda Dhatu (मेद धातु)|Medas]] (fat)

|Honey and clarified butter

|Honey and clarified butter

|-

|-

# Narashamsis (mantras in honour of Rudra)  

# Narashamsis (mantras in honour of Rudra)  

# Gathikas

# Gathikas

# Itihasas

# [[Itihasa (इतिहासः)|Itihasas]]

# Vidyas

# [[Vidya (विद्या)|Vidyas]]

|Mamsa, milk, boiled rice and honey

|[[Mansa Dhatu (मांस धातु)|Mamsa]], milk, boiled rice and honey

|Honey and clarified butter

|Honey and clarified butter

|}

|}

It also states that whatever portion of the Vedas laying down methods of any yajna a brahmachari studies daily, of that yajna he receives the fruit (ie. as if he had actually performed that yajna).<ref name=":8" /><blockquote>यं यं क्रतुं अधीते च तस्य तस्याप्नुयात्फलम् । । १.४७ । ।<ref name=":9" /> yaṁ yaṁ kratuṁ adhīte ca tasya tasyāpnuyātphalam । । 1.47 । ।</blockquote>Similarly, that fruit which is acquired by thrice three times giving away the earth filled with treasures and that fruit which accrues from the performance of the highest austerities such as Chandrayana, etc. all these are also acquired by a brahmachari who studies daily.<ref name=":8" /><blockquote>त्रिर्वित्तपूर्णपृथिवी दानस्य फलं अश्नुते । तपसश्च परस्येह नित्यं स्वाध्यायवान्द्विजः । । १.४८ । ।<ref name=":9" />

It also states that whatever portion of the Vedas laying down methods of any yajna a brahmachari studies daily, of that yajna he receives the fruit (ie. as if he had actually performed that yajna).<ref name=":8" /><blockquote>यं यं क्रतुं अधीते च तस्य तस्याप्नुयात्फलम् । । १.४७ । ।<ref name=":9" /> yaṁ yaṁ kratuṁ adhīte ca tasya tasyāpnuyātphalam । । 1.47 । ।</blockquote>Similarly, that fruit which is acquired by thrice three times giving away the earth filled with treasures and that fruit which accrues from the performance of the highest austerities such as Chandrayana, etc. all these are also acquired by a brahmachari who studies daily.<ref name=":8" /><blockquote>त्रिर्वित्तपूर्णपृथिवी दानस्य फलं अश्नुते । तपसश्च परस्येह नित्यं स्वाध्यायवान्द्विजः । । १.४८ । ।<ref name=":9" />

trirvittapūrṇapr̥thivī dānasya phalaṁ aśnute । tapasaśca parasyeha nityaṁ svādhyāyavāndvijaḥ । । 1.48 । ।</blockquote>Thereby, reiterating that Vedadhyayana in the brahmacharyashrama is capable of bestowing a brahmachari with the fruits that come from the  performance of Yajna, Dana or Tapas.

trirvittapūrṇapr̥thivī dānasya phalaṁ aśnute । tapasaśca parasyeha nityaṁ svādhyāyavāndvijaḥ । । 1.48 । ।</blockquote>Thereby, reiterating that Vedadhyayana in the brahmacharyashrama is capable of bestowing a brahmachari with the fruits that come from the  performance of Yajna, [[Dana (दानम्)|Dana]] or Tapas.

== भैक्षम् ॥ Living by Bhiksha ==

== भैक्षम् ॥ Living by Bhiksha ==

<blockquote>सायं प्रातश्चरेद्भैक्षं गुरवे तन्निवेदयेत् । भुञ्जीत यद्यनुज्ञातो नो चेदुपवसेत्क्वचित् ॥ ५॥<ref name=":4" />

<blockquote>सायं प्रातश्चरेद्भैक्षं गुरवे तन्निवेदयेत् । भुञ्जीत यद्यनुज्ञातो नो चेदुपवसेत्क्वचित् ॥ ५॥<ref name=":4" />

''sāyaṁ prātaścaredbhaikṣaṁ gurave tannivedayet । bhuñjīta yadyanujñāto no cedupavasetkvacit ॥ 5॥''</blockquote>However, the Manusmrti states that when invited to a Deva Yajna, a brahmachari is advised to eat, to his satisfaction, the food meant for one person, except for the forbidden dishes. And eat like rshis in a shraddha. For, this way the vow of living by bhiksha isn't broken. But scholars enumerate that this rule applies only for a brahmana brahmachari and not for the kshatriya and vaishya.<ref name=":12" /><blockquote>व्रतवद्देवदैवत्ये पित्र्ये कर्मण्यथ र्षिवत् । कामं अभ्यर्थितोऽश्नीयाद्व्रतं अस्य न लुप्यते । । २.१८९ । ।

''sāyaṁ prātaścaredbhaikṣaṁ gurave tannivedayet । bhuñjīta yadyanujñāto no cedupavasetkvacit ॥ 5॥''</blockquote>However, the Manusmrti states that when invited to a Deva Yajna, a brahmachari is advised to eat, to his satisfaction, the food meant for one person, except for the forbidden dishes. And eat like rshis in a [[Shraddha (श्राद्धम्)|shraddha]]. For, this way the vow of living by bhiksha isn't broken. But scholars enumerate that this rule applies only for a brahmana brahmachari and not for the kshatriya and vaishya.<ref name=":12" /><blockquote>व्रतवद्देवदैवत्ये पित्र्ये कर्मण्यथ र्षिवत् । कामं अभ्यर्थितोऽश्नीयाद्व्रतं अस्य न लुप्यते । । २.१८९ । ।

ब्राह्मणस्यैव कर्मैतदुपदिष्टं मनीषिभिः । राजन्यवैश्ययोस्त्वेवं नैतत्कर्म विधीयते । । २.१९० । ।<ref name=":1" />

ब्राह्मणस्यैव कर्मैतदुपदिष्टं मनीषिभिः । राजन्यवैश्ययोस्त्वेवं नैतत्कर्म विधीयते । । २.१९० । ।<ref name=":1" />

akr̥tvā bhaikṣacaraṇaṁ asamidhya ca pāvakam । anāturaḥ saptarātraṁ avakīrṇivrataṁ caret । । 2.187 । ।</blockquote>

akr̥tvā bhaikṣacaraṇaṁ asamidhya ca pāvakam । anāturaḥ saptarātraṁ avakīrṇivrataṁ caret । । 2.187 । ।</blockquote>

== आचरणधर्मः || Code of Conduct ==

== आचरणधर्मः || Code of Conduct ==

A child is said to have been initiated into Brahmacharyashrama with the chief goal of Veda Adhyayana and has to follow the rules laid down for them that are enlisted in various shastra texts. The Mahabharata says, <blockquote>ब्रह्मचारी व्रती नित्यं नित्यं दीक्षापरो वशी । गुरुच्छायानुगो नित्यमधीयानः सुयन्त्रितः । अविचाल्यव्रतोपेतं कृत्यं कुर्वन्वसेत्सदा ।।१२.६०.१९<ref name=":7">Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-12-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5-060 Adhyaya 60]</ref>

A child is said to have been initiated into Brahmacharyashrama with the chief goal of Veda Adhyayana and has to follow the rules laid down for them that are enlisted in various shastra texts. The [[Mahabharata (महाभारतम्)|Mahabharata]] says, <blockquote>ब्रह्मचारी व्रती नित्यं नित्यं दीक्षापरो वशी । गुरुच्छायानुगो नित्यमधीयानः सुयन्त्रितः । अविचाल्यव्रतोपेतं कृत्यं कुर्वन्वसेत्सदा ।।१२.६०.१९<ref name=":7">Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-12-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5-060 Adhyaya 60]</ref>

brahmacārī vratī nityaṁ nityaṁ dīkṣāparo vaśī । gurucchāyānugo nityamadhīyānaḥ suyantritaḥ ।  

brahmacārī vratī nityaṁ nityaṁ dīkṣāparo vaśī । gurucchāyānugo nityamadhīyānaḥ suyantritaḥ ।  

For example, the Bhagavata Purana describes the ideal nature of a brahmachari as follows:<blockquote>सुशीलो मितभुग्दक्षः श्रद्दधानो जितेन्द्रियः । यावदर्थं व्यवहरेत्स्त्रीषु स्त्रीनिर्जितेषु च ॥ ६॥<ref name=":4" /> ''suśīlo mitabhugdakṣaḥ śraddadhāno jitendriyaḥ । yāvadarthaṁ vyavaharetstrīṣu strīnirjiteṣu ca ॥ 6॥''</blockquote>Meaning: He should be of a good character, moderate in eating, alert and prompt (in work), of reverential faith in shastras and self-controlled. It is only when absolutely necessary and to that much extent only that he should deal with women (eg. for getting bhiksha) or with those who are influenced by women.<ref name=":3" />

For example, the Bhagavata Purana describes the ideal nature of a brahmachari as follows:<blockquote>सुशीलो मितभुग्दक्षः श्रद्दधानो जितेन्द्रियः । यावदर्थं व्यवहरेत्स्त्रीषु स्त्रीनिर्जितेषु च ॥ ६॥<ref name=":4" /> ''suśīlo mitabhugdakṣaḥ śraddadhāno jitendriyaḥ । yāvadarthaṁ vyavaharetstrīṣu strīnirjiteṣu ca ॥ 6॥''</blockquote>Meaning: He should be of a good character, moderate in eating, alert and prompt (in work), of reverential faith in shastras and self-controlled. It is only when absolutely necessary and to that much extent only that he should deal with women (eg. for getting bhiksha) or with those who are influenced by women.<ref name=":3" />

=== गुरुभक्तिः ॥ Behaviour towards the Guru ===

=== गुरुभक्तिः ॥ Behaviour towards the Guru ===

In Brahmacharyashrama, the stage of gaining knowledge, the importance of a [[Guru (गुरुः)|Guru]] is unparalled. A student should therefore, be ever engaged in doing seva (selfless service) to his preceptor.<ref name=":6" /> The Mahabharata says, <blockquote>वसन्नेको जपन्नेकः सर्वान्वेदान्युधिष्ठिर । एकस्मिन्नेव चाचार्ये शुश्रूषुर्मलपङ्कवान् ।।१२.६०.१८<ref name=":7" />

In Brahmacharyashrama, the stage of gaining knowledge, the importance of a Guru is unparalled. A student should therefore, be ever engaged in doing seva (selfless service) to his preceptor.<ref name=":6" /> The Mahabharata says, <blockquote>वसन्नेको जपन्नेकः सर्वान्वेदान्युधिष्ठिर । एकस्मिन्नेव चाचार्ये शुश्रूषुर्मलपङ्कवान् ।।१२.६०.१८<ref name=":7" />

vasanneko japannekaḥ sarvānvedānyudhiṣṭhira । ekasminneva cācārye śuśrūṣurmalapaṅkavān ।।12.60.18</blockquote>Meaning: A brahmachari should accomplish all tasks while contemplating on Vedic mantras and chanting the necessary mantras in solitude. Even when his body is tainted with dirt or mud, he must present himself to serve and always engross himself in the service of his teacher.<ref name=":13" /> The Yajnavalkya Smrti explains further that a brahmachari should serve or worship the preceptor for the sake of learning.<ref name=":8" /> <blockquote>गुरुं चैवाप्युपासीत स्वाध्यायार्थं समाहितः । । १.२६ । ।<ref name=":9" /> guruṁ caivāpyupāsīta svādhyāyārthaṁ samāhitaḥ । । 1.26 । । </blockquote>In fact, the behaviour of students towards their Gurus is specifically elaborated in detail in order to educate the young minds about the value of a Guru in life. According to the Bhagavata Purana, a brahmachari should dwell in the house of his preceptor. He should be self-controlled and comply with what is agreeable to the preceptor. He should behave humbly like a servant, and entertain very strong affection to his teacher.<ref name=":3" /> The Yajnavalkya Smrti adds that a brahmachari should study when invited; whatever he obtains, he should present it to his preceptor; and always promote the preceptor's interest by all acts of mind, speech and body.<ref name=":8" /><blockquote>ब्रह्मचारी गुरुकुले वसन् दान्तो गुरोर्हितम् । आचरन् दासवन्नीचो गुरौ सुदृढसौहृदः ॥ १॥<ref name=":4" />  

vasanneko japannekaḥ sarvānvedānyudhiṣṭhira । ekasminneva cācārye śuśrūṣurmalapaṅkavān ।।12.60.18</blockquote>Meaning: A brahmachari should accomplish all tasks while contemplating on Vedic mantras and chanting the necessary mantras in solitude. Even when his body is tainted with dirt or mud, he must present himself to serve and always engross himself in the service of his teacher.<ref name=":13" /> The Yajnavalkya Smrti explains further that a brahmachari should serve or worship the preceptor for the sake of learning.<ref name=":8" /> <blockquote>गुरुं चैवाप्युपासीत स्वाध्यायार्थं समाहितः । । १.२६ । ।<ref name=":9" /> guruṁ caivāpyupāsīta svādhyāyārthaṁ samāhitaḥ । । 1.26 । । </blockquote>In fact, the behaviour of students towards their Gurus is specifically elaborated in detail in order to educate the young minds about the value of a Guru in life. According to the Bhagavata Purana, a brahmachari should dwell in the house of his preceptor. He should be self-controlled and comply with what is agreeable to the preceptor. He should behave humbly like a servant, and entertain very strong affection to his teacher.<ref name=":3" /> The Yajnavalkya Smrti adds that a brahmachari should study when invited; whatever he obtains, he should present it to his preceptor; and always promote the preceptor's interest by all acts of mind, speech and body.<ref name=":8" /><blockquote>ब्रह्मचारी गुरुकुले वसन् दान्तो गुरोर्हितम् । आचरन् दासवन्नीचो गुरौ सुदृढसौहृदः ॥ १॥<ref name=":4" />  

śayyāsane'dhyācarite śreyasā na samāviśet । śayyāsanasthaścaivainaṁ pratyutthāyābhivādayet । । 2.119 । ।

śayyāsane'dhyācarite śreyasā na samāviśet । śayyāsanasthaścaivainaṁ pratyutthāyābhivādayet । । 2.119 । ।

ūrdhvaṁ prāṇā hyutkrāmanti yūnaḥ sthavira āyati । pratyutthānābhivādābhyāṁ punastānpratipadyate । । 2.120 । ।</blockquote>Meaning: One must never sit on a cot or seat that is occupied by an elderly. If one is seated on a cot or seat when someone respectable arrives, one must rise and offer salutations to that person. Because the vital airs of a young man rises upwards at the sight of a guru or an elderly. By rising up to offer salutations, these are stabilised.  

ūrdhvaṁ prāṇā hyutkrāmanti yūnaḥ sthavira āyati । pratyutthānābhivādābhyāṁ punastānpratipadyate । । 2.120 । ।</blockquote>Meaning: One must never sit on a cot or seat that is occupied by an elderly. If one is seated on a cot or seat when someone respectable arrives, one must rise and offer salutations to that person. Because the vital airs of a young man rises upwards at the sight of a guru or an elderly. By rising up to offer salutations, these are stabilised. Manu further adds that the one who serves and offers salutations to the elders, his [[Ayu (आयुः)|Ayu]] (life expectency), knowledge, fame and strength increases.<ref name=":12" /><blockquote>अभिवादनशीलस्य नित्यं वृद्धोपसेविनः । चत्वारि तस्य वर्धन्ते आयुर्धर्मो यशो बलम् । । २.१२१ । ।<ref name=":1" /> abhivādanaśīlasya nityaṁ vr̥ddhopasevinaḥ । catvāri tasya vardhante āyurdharmo yaśo balam । । 2.121 । ।</blockquote>Elaborating further on the guidelines the Manusmrti says, <blockquote>शरीरं चैव वाचं च बुद्धीन्द्रियमनांसि च । नियम्य प्राञ्जलिस्तिष्ठेद्वीक्षमाणो गुरोर्मुखम् । । २.१९२ । ।

 

Manu further adds that the one who serves and offers salutations to the elders, his Ayu (life expectency), knowledge, fame and strength increases.<ref name=":12" /><blockquote>अभिवादनशीलस्य नित्यं वृद्धोपसेविनः । चत्वारि तस्य वर्धन्ते आयुर्धर्मो यशो बलम् । । २.१२१ । ।<ref name=":1" /> abhivādanaśīlasya nityaṁ vr̥ddhopasevinaḥ । catvāri tasya vardhante āyurdharmo yaśo balam । । 2.121 । ।</blockquote>Elaborating further on the guidelines the Manusmrti says, <blockquote>शरीरं चैव वाचं च बुद्धीन्द्रियमनांसि च । नियम्य प्राञ्जलिस्तिष्ठेद्वीक्षमाणो गुरोर्मुखम् । । २.१९२ । ।

नित्यं उद्धृतपाणिः स्यात्साध्वाचारः सुसंवृतः । आस्यतां इति चोक्तः सन्नासीताभिमुखं गुरोः । । २.१९३ । ।

नित्यं उद्धृतपाणिः स्यात्साध्वाचारः सुसंवृतः । आस्यतां इति चोक्तः सन्नासीताभिमुखं गुरोः । । २.१९३ । ।

* A Brahmachari must bring, as per need, water-filled pots, flowers, cowdung, clay and kusha grass and ask for bhiksha everyday.

* A Brahmachari must bring, as per need, water-filled pots, flowers, cowdung, clay and kusha grass and ask for bhiksha everyday.

Infact, this is ordained as a brahmachari's constant behaviour also towards other gurus imparting knowledge, father and others who are well-wishers saving him from adharma (Manu. 2.206).<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":1" /> It says, <blockquote>

Infact, this is ordained as a brahmachari's constant behaviour also towards other gurus imparting knowledge, father and others who are well-wishers saving him from [[Adharma (अधर्मः)|adharma]] (Manu. 2.206).<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":1" /> It says, <blockquote>

श्रेयःसु गुरुवद्वृत्तिं नित्यं एव समाचरेत् । गुरुपुत्रेषु चार्येषु गुरोश्चैव स्वबन्धुषु । । २.२०७ । ।

श्रेयःसु गुरुवद्वृत्तिं नित्यं एव समाचरेत् । गुरुपुत्रेषु चार्येषु गुरोश्चैव स्वबन्धुषु । । २.२०७ । ।

=== स्त्रीषु व्यवहारः ॥ Behaviour with women ===

=== स्त्रीषु व्यवहारः ॥ Behaviour with women ===

The Bhagavata Purana mentions that a person other than a householder, who has taken the great vow of celibacy, should avoid all talk with young women. For, the senses are (by nature) so powerful and violent that they carry away the mind of even a Yati (recluse) who is expected to be perfectly self-controlled.<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>वर्जयेत्प्रमदागाथामगृहस्थो बृहद्व्रतः । इन्द्रियाणि प्रमाथीनि हरन्त्यपि यतेर्मनः ॥ ७॥<ref name=":4" /> ''varjayetpramadāgāthāmagr̥hastho br̥hadvrataḥ । indriyāṇi pramāthīni harantyapi yatermanaḥ ॥ 7॥''</blockquote>It also specifies that a youthful brahmachari (student) should not allow a personal seva (selfless service) like combing the hair, massaging, bathing and anointing to be done by a woman from his teacher's family, especially if they are young. For, verily a young women is like fire and a man like pot containing clarified butter. Moreover, so long as by self realization one has not firmly determined that his body, senses or the universe etc. are illusory and the jiva has not attained perfect mastery over himself by identifying himself with the Supreme being, the notion of duality (between a man and a woman) will continue to persist (provoking thereby the desire to enjoy) through false attribution of gunas.<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>केशप्रसाधनोन्मर्दस्नपनाभ्यञ्जनादिकम् । गुरुस्त्रीभिर्युवतिभिः कारयेन्नात्मनो युवा ॥ ८॥

The Bhagavata Purana mentions that a person other than a householder, who has taken the great vow of celibacy, should avoid all talk with young women. For, the senses are (by nature) so powerful and violent that they carry away the mind of even a Yati (recluse) who is expected to be perfectly self-controlled.<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>वर्जयेत्प्रमदागाथामगृहस्थो बृहद्व्रतः । इन्द्रियाणि प्रमाथीनि हरन्त्यपि यतेर्मनः ॥ ७॥<ref name=":4" /> ''varjayetpramadāgāthāmagr̥hastho br̥hadvrataḥ । indriyāṇi pramāthīni harantyapi yatermanaḥ ॥ 7॥''</blockquote>It also specifies that a youthful brahmachari (student) should not allow a personal seva (selfless service) like combing the hair, massaging, bathing and anointing to be done by a woman from his teacher's family, especially if they are young. For, verily a young women is like fire and a man like pot containing clarified butter. Moreover, so long as by self realization one has not firmly determined that his body, senses or the universe etc. are illusory and the jiva has not attained perfect mastery over himself by identifying himself with the Supreme being, the notion of duality (between a man and a woman) will continue to persist (provoking thereby the desire to enjoy) through false attribution of [[Gunas or Qualities : An Ayurvedic perspective (आयुर्वेदे गुणाः)|gunas]].<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>केशप्रसाधनोन्मर्दस्नपनाभ्यञ्जनादिकम् । गुरुस्त्रीभिर्युवतिभिः कारयेन्नात्मनो युवा ॥ ८॥

नन्वग्निः प्रमदा नाम घृतकुम्भसमः पुमान् ।

नन्वग्निः प्रमदा नाम घृतकुम्भसमः पुमान् ।

Similar abstinance is quoted in the Yajnavalkya Smrti (1.33),<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" /> Bhagavata Purana (7.12.12)<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> and Agni Purana (153.13)<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":11" /> as well.  

Similar abstinance is quoted in the Yajnavalkya Smrti (1.33),<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" /> Bhagavata Purana (7.12.12)<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> and Agni Purana (153.13)<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":11" /> as well.  

* The Manusmrti also adds that a brahmachari must always sleep alone and never give up his veerya. For, the one who gives up his veerya willingly, destroys his vow of brahmacharya. However, if one happens to lose veerya, unwillingly, in dream state then it is advised to bathe, perform worship of the Sun and repeat the rk 'punarmāmetvindriyam' thrice.<ref name=":12" />

* The Manusmrti also adds that a brahmachari must always sleep alone and never give up his [[Veeryam (वीर्यम्)|veerya]]. For, the one who gives up his veerya willingly, destroys his vow of brahmacharya. However, if one happens to lose veerya, unwillingly, in dream state then it is advised to bathe, perform worship of the Sun and repeat the rk 'punarmāmetvindriyam' thrice.<ref name=":12" />

<blockquote>एकः शयीत सर्वत्र न रेतः स्कन्दयेत्क्व चित् । कामाद्धि स्कन्दयन्रेतो हिनस्ति व्रतं आत्मनः । । २.१८० । ।  

<blockquote>एकः शयीत सर्वत्र न रेतः स्कन्दयेत्क्व चित् । कामाद्धि स्कन्दयन्रेतो हिनस्ति व्रतं आत्मनः । । २.१८० । ।  

svapne siktvā brahmacārī dvijaḥ śukraṁ akāmataḥ । snātvārkaṁ arcayitvā triḥ punarmāṁ ityr̥caṁ japet । । 2.181 । । </blockquote>

svapne siktvā brahmacārī dvijaḥ śukraṁ akāmataḥ । snātvārkaṁ arcayitvā triḥ punarmāṁ ityr̥caṁ japet । । 2.181 । । </blockquote>

== ब्रह्मचर्यकालः ॥ Period of Studentship ==

== ब्रह्मचर्यकालः ॥ Period of Studentship ==

The period of studentship begins with the Upanaya Samskara and continues until the student, completing in due order, the study of the three Vedas, or two, or one, without transgressing the vow of brahmacharya, enters the grhasthashrama.<ref name=":14">Pt. Girija Prasad Dvivedi (1917), The Manusmriti or Manavadharmashastra ([https://archive.org/details/ManuSmritHindi-GpDwivedi/page/n205/mode/2up?view=theater Adhyaya 3]), Lucknow: Newul Kishore Press.</ref><blockquote>वेदानधीत्य वेदौ वा वेदं वापि यथाक्रमम् । अविप्लुतब्रह्मचर्यो गृहस्थाश्रमं आवसेत् । । ३.२ । ।<ref name=":2">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 3]</ref>vedānadhītya vedau vā vedaṁ vāpi yathākramam । aviplutabrahmacaryo gr̥hasthāśramaṁ āvaset । । 3.2 । ।</blockquote>According to Manusmrti (2.36 and 2.38)<ref name=":1" /> and Yajnavalkya Smrti (1.14 and 1.37),<ref name=":9" /> the Upanayana Samskara should be performed in the 8th year of conception or birth for brahmanas, 11th year for the kshatriyas and 12th year for the Vaishyas or according to one's family custom. And the maximum age to perform the Upanaya for brahmanas, kshatriyas and Vaishyas are 16, 22 and 24 years respectively.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":8" /> The Manusmrti also adds that the Upanayana of brahmanas desirous of attaining brahmavarchas, the splendour of which is beyond the study of Vedas and its meaning, should be performed in the 5th year, of kshatriyas desirous of strength in the 6th year and of Vaishyas desirous of prosperity in the 8th year.<ref name=":12" /><blockquote>ब्रह्मवर्चसकामस्य कार्यो विप्रस्य पञ्चमे । राज्ञो बलार्थिनः षष्ठे वैश्यस्येहार्थिनोऽष्टमे । । २.३७ । ।<ref name=":1" /> brahmavarcasakāmasya kāryo viprasya pañcame । rājño balārthinaḥ ṣaṣṭhe vaiśyasyehārthino'ṣṭame । । 2.37 । ।</blockquote>As for the term of Vedadhyayana, the Yajnavalkya Smrti says,<blockquote>प्रतिवेदं ब्रह्मचर्यं द्वादशाब्दानि पञ्च वा । ग्रहणान्तिकं इत्येके केशान्तश्चैव षोडशे । । १.३६ । ।<ref name=":9" /> prativedaṁ brahmacaryaṁ dvādaśābdāni pañca vā । grahaṇāntikaṁ ityeke keśāntaścaiva ṣoḍaśe । । 1.36 । ।</blockquote>Meaning: For each Veda, the brahmacharya should be 12 years or 5, some say it should be till they are completely acquired and the shaving of the hair should take place in the 16th year.

The period of studentship begins with the Upanaya Samskara and continues until the student, completing in due order, the study of the three Vedas, or two, or one, without transgressing the vow of brahmacharya, enters the [[Grhasthashrama (गृहस्थाश्रमः)|grhasthashrama]].<ref name=":14">Pt. Girija Prasad Dvivedi (1917), The Manusmriti or Manavadharmashastra ([https://archive.org/details/ManuSmritHindi-GpDwivedi/page/n205/mode/2up?view=theater Adhyaya 3]), Lucknow: Newul Kishore Press.</ref><blockquote>वेदानधीत्य वेदौ वा वेदं वापि यथाक्रमम् । अविप्लुतब्रह्मचर्यो गृहस्थाश्रमं आवसेत् । । ३.२ । ।<ref name=":2">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 3]</ref>vedānadhītya vedau vā vedaṁ vāpi yathākramam । aviplutabrahmacaryo gr̥hasthāśramaṁ āvaset । । 3.2 । ।</blockquote>According to Manusmrti (2.36 and 2.38)<ref name=":1" /> and Yajnavalkya Smrti (1.14 and 1.37),<ref name=":9" /> the Upanayana Samskara should be performed in the 8th year of conception or birth for brahmanas, 11th year for the kshatriyas and 12th year for the Vaishyas or according to one's family custom. And the maximum age to perform the Upanaya for brahmanas, kshatriyas and Vaishyas are 16, 22 and 24 years respectively.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":8" /> The Manusmrti also adds that the Upanayana of brahmanas desirous of attaining brahmavarchas, the splendour of which is beyond the study of Vedas and its meaning, should be performed in the 5th year, of kshatriyas desirous of strength in the 6th year and of Vaishyas desirous of prosperity in the 8th year.<ref name=":12" /><blockquote>ब्रह्मवर्चसकामस्य कार्यो विप्रस्य पञ्चमे । राज्ञो बलार्थिनः षष्ठे वैश्यस्येहार्थिनोऽष्टमे । । २.३७ । ।<ref name=":1" /> brahmavarcasakāmasya kāryo viprasya pañcame । rājño balārthinaḥ ṣaṣṭhe vaiśyasyehārthino'ṣṭame । । 2.37 । ।</blockquote>As for the term of Vedadhyayana, the Yajnavalkya Smrti says,<blockquote>प्रतिवेदं ब्रह्मचर्यं द्वादशाब्दानि पञ्च वा । ग्रहणान्तिकं इत्येके केशान्तश्चैव षोडशे । । १.३६ । ।<ref name=":9" /> prativedaṁ brahmacaryaṁ dvādaśābdāni pañca vā । grahaṇāntikaṁ ityeke keśāntaścaiva ṣoḍaśe । । 1.36 । ।</blockquote>Meaning: For each Veda, the brahmacharya should be 12 years or 5, some say it should be till they are completely acquired and the shaving of the hair should take place in the 16th year.

The commentary Mitakshara clarifies that when marriage is not possible (due to poverty, etc) then for each Veda separately, the above mentioned brahmacharya must be performed for 12 yrs. In case of inability 5 years for each Veda is stated.

The commentary Mitakshara clarifies that when [[Marriage (विवाह: संस्कार:)|marriage]] is not possible (due to poverty, etc) then for each Veda separately, the above mentioned brahmacharya must be performed for 12 yrs. In case of inability 5 years for each Veda is stated.

This very much corelates with the Manusmrti quote that the vow of studying the 3 Vedas under a teacher must be kept for 36 years, or for half that time (18 years), or for a quarter (9 years), or until the student has perfectly learnt them.<ref name=":8" /><blockquote>षट्त्रिंशदाब्दिकं चर्यं गुरौ त्रैवेदिकं व्रतम् । तदर्धिकं पादिकं वा ग्रहणान्तिकं एव वा । । ३.१ । ।<ref name=":2" /> ṣaṭtriṁśadābdikaṁ caryaṁ gurau traivedikaṁ vratam । tadardhikaṁ pādikaṁ vā grahaṇāntikaṁ eva vā । । 3.1 । ।</blockquote>

This very much corelates with the Manusmrti quote that the vow of studying the 3 Vedas under a teacher must be kept for 36 years, or for half that time (18 years), or for a quarter (9 years), or until the student has perfectly learnt them.<ref name=":8" /><blockquote>षट्त्रिंशदाब्दिकं चर्यं गुरौ त्रैवेदिकं व्रतम् । तदर्धिकं पादिकं वा ग्रहणान्तिकं एव वा । । ३.१ । ।<ref name=":2" /> ṣaṭtriṁśadābdikaṁ caryaṁ gurau traivedikaṁ vratam । tadardhikaṁ pādikaṁ vā grahaṇāntikaṁ eva vā । । 3.1 । ।</blockquote>

# renounce the world to wander as a Yati (recluse) or

# renounce the world to wander as a Yati (recluse) or

# stay with his preceptor (as a lifelong brahmachari)<ref name=":5" />

# stay with his preceptor (as a lifelong brahmachari)<ref name=":5" />

<blockquote>दत्त्वा वरमनुज्ञातो गुरोः कामं यदीश्वरः । गृहं वनं वा प्रविशेत्प्रव्रजेत्तत्र वा वसेत् ॥ १४॥<ref name=":4" /> ''dattvā varamanujñāto guroḥ kāmaṁ yadīśvaraḥ । gr̥haṁ vanaṁ vā praviśetpravrajettatra vā vaset ॥ 14॥''</blockquote>And the guru also gives his final instructions to the students through a convocation address at the conclusion of their studentship before sending them home. One such address as recorded in the Taittiriya Upanishad is summarised as follows: <blockquote>“''Speak the truth. Do your duty. Never swerve from the study of the Veda. Do not cut off the line of progeny (after giving the preceptor the fee he desires). Never swerve away from truth. Never swerve from duty. Never neglect your welfare. Never neglect your prosperity. Never neglect the study and the teaching of the Vedas.''

<blockquote>दत्त्वा वरमनुज्ञातो गुरोः कामं यदीश्वरः । गृहं वनं वा प्रविशेत्प्रव्रजेत्तत्र वा वसेत् ॥ १४॥<ref name=":4" /> ''dattvā varamanujñāto guroḥ kāmaṁ yadīśvaraḥ । gr̥haṁ vanaṁ vā praviśetpravrajettatra vā vaset ॥ 14॥''</blockquote>And the guru also gives his final instructions to the students through a convocation address at the conclusion of their studentship before sending them home. One such address as recorded in the [[Taittriya Upanishad (तैत्तिरीय-उपनिषद्)|Taittiriya Upanishad]] is summarised as follows: <blockquote>“''Speak the truth. Do your duty. Never swerve from the study of the Veda. Do not cut off the line of progeny (after giving the preceptor the fee he desires). Never swerve away from truth. Never swerve from duty. Never neglect your welfare. Never neglect your prosperity. Never neglect the study and the teaching of the Vedas.''

''Never swerve from the duties to the deities and the forefathers. Regard your mother as a deity. (Matrdevo Bhava). Regard your father as a deity (Pitrdevo Bhava). Regard your teacher as a deity (Acharyadevo Bhava). Regard your guest as deity (Atithidevo Bhava). Let only those actions that are free from blemishes be done and not others. Only those that are good acts to us should be performed by you and not others.''

''Never swerve from the duties to the deities and the forefathers. Regard your mother as a deity. (Matrdevo Bhava). Regard your father as a deity (Pitrdevo Bhava). Regard your teacher as a deity (Acharyadevo Bhava). Regard your guest as deity (Atithidevo Bhava). Let only those actions that are free from blemishes be done and not others. Only those that are good acts to us should be performed by you and not others.''

ācārye tu khalu prete guruputre guṇānvite । gurudāre sapiṇḍe vā guruvadvr̥ttiṁ ācaret । । 2.247 । ।

ācārye tu khalu prete guruputre guṇānvite । gurudāre sapiṇḍe vā guruvadvr̥ttiṁ ācaret । । 2.247 । ।

eteṣvavidyamāneṣu sthānāsanavihāravān । prayuñjāno'gniśuśrūṣāṁ sādhayeddehaṁ ātmanaḥ । । 2.248 । ।</blockquote>Meaning: If a naishthika brahmachari wishes to spend his entire life in the gurukula, he must carefully engage in the service of his teacher until his last breath. After the time of his guru, he must consider scholarly son of the guru, guru's wife and guru's brothers as equal to his guru. In their absence, he must serve Agni in place of a guru and make his body eligible to attain the brahman through Upasana.<ref name=":12" />

eteṣvavidyamāneṣu sthānāsanavihāravān । prayuñjāno'gniśuśrūṣāṁ sādhayeddehaṁ ātmanaḥ । । 2.248 । ।</blockquote>Meaning: If a naishthika brahmachari wishes to spend his entire life in the gurukula, he must carefully engage in the service of his teacher until his last breath. After the time of his guru, he must consider scholarly son of the guru, guru's wife and guru's brothers as equal to his guru. In their absence, he must serve [[Agni (अग्निः)|Agni]] in place of a guru and make his body eligible to attain the [[Brahman (ब्रह्मन्)|brahman]] through Upasana.<ref name=":12" />

It is in line with this duty that the Yajnavalkya smrti states that the Naishthika brahmachari should live with his acharya. In the absence of the acharya, with his son or wife or even fire.<ref name=":8" /><blockquote>नैष्ठिको ब्रह्मचारी तु वसेदाचार्यसंनिधौ । तदभावेऽस्य तनये पत्न्यां वैश्वानरेऽपि वा । । १.४९ । ।<ref name=":9" />

It is in line with this duty that the Yajnavalkya smrti states that the Naishthika brahmachari should live with his [[Acharya (आचार्यः)|acharya]]. In the absence of the acharya, with his son or wife or even fire.<ref name=":8" /><blockquote>नैष्ठिको ब्रह्मचारी तु वसेदाचार्यसंनिधौ । तदभावेऽस्य तनये पत्न्यां वैश्वानरेऽपि वा । । १.४९ । ।<ref name=":9" />

naiṣṭhiko brahmacārī tu vasedācāryasaṁnidhau । tadabhāve'sya tanaye patnyāṁ vaiśvānare'pi vā । । 1.49 । ।</blockquote>

naiṣṭhiko brahmacārī tu vasedācāryasaṁnidhau । tadabhāve'sya tanaye patnyāṁ vaiśvānare'pi vā । । 1.49 । ।</blockquote>

[[Category:Dharmas]]

[[Category:Dharmas]]

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